A new outlet ‘Tenner’ adds to 10 Downing Street's great food and fun offerings
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Novotel Visakhatapatnam Varun Beach ushered in the holiday season with the “First of its kind” tree lighting ceremony.
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The holiday season has arrived, and the Christmas spirit is permeating the air. Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach ushered in the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with festive cheer. The ceremony was attended by prominent local publications among others, alongside bloggers, in-house guests, outlet guests & the Novotel team. This year, the hotel opted for an eco-friendly Christmas Tree which was made out of recycled bottles.
The hotel was beautifully decorated for the festive season and the highlight of the event was the environment friendly Christmas Tree made from recycled bottles which was placed in the lobby area. Special dance performances by Shiva & team from Step Up dance troupe and Christmas Carols sung by Paul, Neha & team from Vizag music, added to the fanfare of the event. The culinary team curated a special menu for the evening which included Christmas delicacies such as turkey spring roll, mince pie, tapenade, ginger bread, cookies, etc. The hotel also served mulled wine which was prepared specially for the occasion. The event ended on a sweet note with traditional plum cake and handmade cookies presented to all the guests.
On the merry occasion, Chairman of Varun Group Mr. Prabhu Kishore said, “The holiday season brings with it a sense of warmth and joy to the environment and in the hearts of the people around. Our aim was to foster sustainable environmental practices through the Christmas Tree this year which was made out of recycled bottles. It was our pleasure to invite our guests to celebrate this joyous festival with us. We wish them Merry Christmas and a brighter and safer New Year”.
The Fern Surya Resort, Dharampur (Kasauli) hosts Christmas cake-mixing ceremony
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Guests from Media, representatives from tour operators and leading travel agents from Delhi/NCR were taken on a familiarization trip to The Fern Surya Resort, Dharampur (Kasauli) for 2 nights. The annual cake-mixing ceremony was held at the resort to mark the beginning of the festive season. Cake Mixing is traditionally done to celebrate the advent of Christmas and the start of winter festivities. It is also considered to usher in good tidings and happiness.
The guests rolled up their sleeves and participated in a hearty mixing of dry fruits and nuts for plum cakes with spirits. The cake-mixing ceremony was headed by the hotel’s General Manager Gunjan Pandey.
Mr. Mohit Sharad, Associate Vice President, The Fern Hotels & Resorts said, “we are very excited to be hosting this unique cake-mixing ceremony with our friends from Media and travel trade and a lot of activities will be conducted in this 2 day visit as Dharampur has a lot of offer its guest visiting this beautiful hill station. The event was followed by cocktails and scrumptious international food to celebrate the festivities with live music and dance performances
Ingredient Ideology | SHAKE & CHURN TO GOOD HEALTH POWER DRINKS TO STAY FIT By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef
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Health shakes and energy drinks are one of the most sought out options by many of us who wish to be prim and proper, maintaining ourselves even now during work from home kind of activities where are stationed within homes and focusing on work and need to stay fit as well.
The option of picking on wisely especially when it comes to ingredients that have beneficial properties and nutri-rich qualities to offer needs a little bit of awareness and update with regards to calories and overall balance which can help have a better start to our day and keep us full for a while and also assists in weight management.
While we do have a choice to enjoy seasonal fruits and other breakfast options as well, there are many who wish to grab and pulse a bunch of power-packed ingredients and sip it along the work table as well. Here are a few simple to make power shake recipes to keep us in shape.
Recipe-1] BERRY OATMEAL SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
Oatmeal /crushed oats-1/4 cup
Blue berries/ Cranberries-2-3 tbsp.
Dates-2-3 no
Soy milk/ regular milk- 200ml
Cashews/almonds-1 tbsp. chopped
Flax seeds-1 tsp
Mint leaves- 8-10 no
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the power shake as listed.
2. We can also use blue berries or cranberries for this recipe.
3. In a jar of a food processor, combine together the oatmeal /crushed oats, berries, dates, nuts, seeds, and milk and churn it all into a smooth mixture.
4. Pour the shake into a jar/glass and enjoy it for a start to the day or during mid-way, garnish with berries/mint etc and serve.
Recipe-2] CRANBERRY CRUNCH SHAKE
Ingredients:
Cranberries- 2-3 tbsp.
Banana-1 ripe
Soy milk/ regular milk- 200ml
Honey-1 tsp
Sunflower seeds/ chia seeds-1 tsp
Chopped raisins- 2 tsp
Walnuts/ pinenuts- 2 tsp chopped
Mint/ berries for garnish
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the power shake as listed.
2. In a jar of a food processor, combine together the cranberries or an assortment of berries may also be used as desired along with the other ingredients and churn it all into a nice smooth textured shake.
3. Check for taste/texture and balance it accordingly to taste, pour the prepared shake into jar/ serving glasses and garnish with mint/berries/nuts/seeds etc and serve.
Recipe-3] HEALTHY ALMOND BANANA SHAKE
Ingredients
Banana- 1 ripe
Soy milk/ regular milk/ oats milk- 200 ml
Dates- 2-3 no chopped
Almonds/ cashews- 2 tsp chopped
Chickoo- 1 no, peeled and cut
Melon seeds/ flax seeds- 1 tsp
Honey-1 tsp
Cinnamon powder-1 pinch
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients as per the list for the power shake.
2. Using a jar of a food processor, combine together all the ingredients from ripe banana, ripe chickoo, to dates, nuts, seeds, honey and soy milk etc and churn it all into a smooth textured shake.
3. Check for sweetness and flavor and balance it accordingly, pour the drink into chilled jars/glasses and sprinkle some nuts/seeds or a pinch of cinnamon powder over the top and lightly mix and enjoy it.
Recipe-4] NUTTY DATE SHAKE
ingredients:
Dates- 4-6 no
Walnuts/almonds/cashews- 2 tsp chopped
Chia seeds/ flax seeds- 1 tsp
Soy milk/ regular milk/oats milk- 200 ml
Cocoa powder-1/4 tsp
Cinnamon powder-1 pinch
Honey-1 tsp
Banana-1 ripe
Dark chocolate-2-3 pieces/ 2 tsp melted.
Mint/ cherries/ nuts etc for garnish.
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the yummy date shake.
2. Using the jar of a food processor, combine together the ingredients and churn them into a nice smooth shake and check for balance of taste and flavor and adjust as needed as per taste.
3. In this power shake we can also add a seasonal fruit as well to enhance the taste of the shake like sliced peaches can be added when we serve it.
4. Pour the shake into chilled glasses/jars and garnish with a dash of cinnamon/ shavings of dark chocolate/ mint/cherries etc.
Recipe-5] POWER PACKED AVOCADO SHAKE.
Ingredients
Avocado-1 no, ripe, peeled –sliced and stone removed.
Soy milk/ regular milk/ oats milk-200ml
Thick Yogurt-2 tbsp. greek yogurt can also be used.
Honey-1 tsp
Raisins-2 tsp
Banana-1 ripe
Sunflower seeds/ chia seeds-1 tsp
Mint leaves- 10-12 no
As an option we can also add spinach or kale as well in this recipe.
Sliced almonds/pista/cashews-2 tsp
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the shake recipe as listed.
2. Using a jar of a food processor, combine together avocado pieces along with all other ingredients with the milk of your choice and churn the mixture into a nice smoothie-like texture.
3. Check for taste/flavor and balance it accordingly and pour into serving jars/ glasses and garnish with nuts/seeds/ mint etc and serve.
Embracing Maximalist Decor with Top Trends
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While minimal décor has its own charm, maximalism has gradually found its way back to the interior design industry. It is an expression of the distinct personalities of homeowners through ornate interiors, rich fabrics, eccentric pieces, and much more.
But a wide range of styles and elements do not mean that your place has to look cluttered or busy. With some subtle styles and trends, you can embrace the age of maximalist interior design and make a statement.
Top Maximalist Design Trends to Follow
Let’s read in detail our favorite interior design styles that you can follow to give your house a perfect maximalist decor.
Use of Vibrant Colour
Hold back the conservative colour tones and go bold with a more diverse colour palette to embrace maximalism. Remember, pops of colours here and there may not give you the maximalist decor. So, go all out and stir things up with vibrant hues across the entire space.
Statement Marble Stone for a Statement Design
Marble stone is seeing a huge resurgence in popularity as it brings a luxurious consistency throughout the interior space. The timeless natural marble can dignify the aesthetics of any room and give it a visual appeal of a larger, classic space. The use of marble in marble tables and countertops, marble skirting, and other natural stone elements can give your home an opulent look and feel.
Pattern Play
Patterns bring energy to interior spaces and the options can be limitless if you’re looking in the right direction. From carpets and rugs to cushions and upholstered furniture, patterns add a striking personality to your interiors. And since the idea is to go over the top, you can always experiment with different patterns to create a more dynamic design with a dazzling effect.
Patterns bring energy to interior spaces and the options can be limitless if you’re looking in the right direction. From carpets and rugs to cushions and upholstered furniture, patterns add a striking personality to your interiors.
And since the idea is to go over the top, you can always experiment with different patterns to create a more dynamic design with a dazzling effect.
Art for the Senses
Invest in art to create an outstanding maximalist interior design. Art plays a huge role in setting the tone of a space and helps you represent your personality in the best way possible. For example, a luxe marble frame for the living room wall or state-of-the-art sculptures can become the pieces of attraction in your maximal space. You can also create a gallery wall for different artworks and frames to amp up your home.
Creative Lighting
Lighting with complex and creative design plays excellently well with the maximalist decor. The more unique materials and adventurous design, the more stylish your space would turn out. Big overhead lighting, luxurious chandeliers, statement lamps, and fixtures – you can choose from different kinds of lighting for different areas. Just make sure to go big.
Mixing of Styles and Layers
Layered motifs and mixed styles do a great job of showing off your maximal interior design styles. Simple backdrops layered with contrasting patterns bring a unique character to the house and engage the guests. You can also layer modern décor pieces with the existing decor of a room; all you need to focus on is bringing in a few elements that immediately capture attention.
Accessories and Decorative Pieces
Maximalist décor is all about sparking joy and creating an interest in the space. So, if you’re a hoarder of books, trinkets, charms, and even quirky mugs, put them all on display. Show off your collectibles that represent your taste and passions. If you have a huge number of accessories or decorative pieces, you can create small groups and display them separately.
You can also go for wooden shelves or a fireplace feature for display. Just make sure that these additional elements do not affect the functionality of the space.
Wall Art and Wallpapers
Bold and bright wallpapers are the true essence of a maximal space. Unique wallpaper would not just add maximalism to your interior spaces but would also do so effortlessly.
And if you’re a fan of wall art or wall work, you can bring many patterns and styles together to create a striking show. Forget about matching the frames and size and whatnot; just create an amalgam of wall art styles that speak directly to you.
About Author
Aparna Rao has a great passion for interior design and decor. Her design mantra is that the interiors of any space should be designed keeping in mind functionality and aesthetics. She works as a content marketer for Stonex, a leading marble manufacturer, and has gained valuable insights into the marble stone industry. Her extensive knowledge of different types of stones and their properties as well as interior design is what makes her content stand apart and is appreciated by her readers. Through her content, she also offers creative, innovative, and effective design and decor solutions.
Celebrate Christmas Cheer with ‘The Gift Studio’ this Holiday Season for Thoughtful, Effortless Gifting Solutions
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National, December 2022: ‘Tis the season for sweaters, sparkles, good cheer, and, of course, gift-giving! Christmas comes every year and it’s the season of gifting! With everything merry and bright, this festival in India has to be one of the most fun times of the year. It’s all about decorations, colorful lights, home gatherings, games, delicious food, and a lot of gifts!
Launched in October 2020 by Shashwat and Shivika Goenka, The Gift Studio is a one-stop curated gifting solution to make gifting thoughtful, easy, special & unique - for both the giver and the receiver. The brand aims to turn gifting from a tiring chore into a memorable experience, with thoughtfully curated hamper options that are flexible and endlessly customizable. Talking about the gifts! No matter how much we love buying them, thinking of the perfect gift ideas for loved ones can be time-consuming. And on Christmas, all of us expect to receive gifts from our Secret Santas, from a child to an adult. While most corporate offices host the ‘Secret Santa’ games, children anyway await new gifts every year!
This Christmas, The Gift Studio has put together ‘Xmas Assortment 2022 Hampers’, that will leave a lasting impression in the minds of the receivers. The hampers come in several price ranges that are accessible to customers with varied budgets. It includes All good things that include Cakes, Cookies and Candies Christmas Hampers, Fuel by Coffee and Xmas Cheer Hamper, and Holiday Hampers that include cakes, cookies and other sweets that will have you dreaming of a White Christmas! What better way to celebrate the holiday season with lip-smacking gourmet brands? A season of Sweetness hamper is definitely a perfect fit. For all food lovers, our special hamper is a delectable collection of gourmet goodies to make the holidays a #MerryGiftmas indeed.
Also, keeping the party season in mind, complete your get-togethers and high- teas with our Cheese and Meat Platters to get everyone in the holiday mood! Or pick from our collection of wines ranging from Jacobs Creek to Marchesi di Barolo
Eat, Drink And be Merry ! The Gift Studio’s Holiday Hampers are available to purchase on their website - www.thegiftstudio.in. The brand offers pan-India delivery and is also present in leading supermarket chains - Nature’s Basket and Spencers. This season, head to The Gift Studio and gift happiness to your friends and family with incredible, delicious hampers. #MerryGiftmas
Hilton Goa Resort Ushers In The Yuletide Spirit With An Unconventional Take On The Traditional Tree Lightning Ceremony
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Christmas is incomplete without the colorful and illuminating display of lights. The tradition which symbolizes the spread of light, hope, and goodwill in the world is one that is dear to everybody. Hilton Goa Resort is all set to embrace this tradition in a unique way this year, with an unconventional take on the envisioning of the tree on the 11th of December 2022.
The Christmas Tree for the ceremony will be specially crafted by an artist with materials such as choir rope and craft paper and the decoration on the Christmas Tree will include postcard-sized paintings of multiple artists making it a one-of-a-kind Christmas Tree.
Unveiling the Christmas Spirit, the ceremony will be hosted in the resort's lobby. This year the resort will be hosting an exhilarating art exhibition, Islands in the Sun - A confluence of art and artists by the art gallerist, Aarti Singh, a painter and artist and the managing director of Polka Art Gallery in New Delhi
The art exhibition will be inaugurated on the day of the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony which will go on till the 4th of January 2023, the
sales proceeds from the event will be donated to a local orphanage.
The celebratory evening will feature an exclusive spread of appetizers and Christmas cocktails tailor-made for the event by the culinary team of Hilton Goa Resort.
What: Tree lighting Ceremony & Art Gallery - Islands in the Sun - A confluence of art and artists
Where: Hilton Goa Resort
When: 11th December 2022
Tree Lighting Ceremony Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Time for Art Exhibition: 11:00 am - 7:00 am
About Hilton Goa Resort - Located at the prime location of North Goa, the luxurious Hilton Goa Resort is a hilltop property that has a calming view of the Nerul River and overlooks the lush greenery. Offering 104 beautiful guest rooms with exclusive private balconies, and delectable dining options, the property is loaded with amenities. A cozy bar and a coffee lounge with a spectacular view make an ideal spot for locals to hang out. The Kids’ club and 24-hour fitness center make it perfect for long business guests and the 4 outdoor swimming pools, including a dedicated kids’ pool, add charm to this property. With versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces and being closer to Candolim beach, Hilton Goa Resort offers the perfect setting for vacations.
WINTER WEEKDAY GETAWAY AT COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT MAHABLESHWAR
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Mahabaleshwar, Dec 22: Winters are here and the holiday season is the best time to travel. So if you are wondering which destination to pick for your next Winter Staycation, then Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has the perfect getaway package for you.
Feel the magic in the winter breeze at Mahabaleshwar, a quaint town nestled amidst the Sahyadri hills, an all-time favourite of tourists. This winters, Courtyard Mahabaleshwar urges traveller to look beyond the weekend and plan a luxurious Winter Weekday Getaway. Break the monotony of weekday with a rejuvenating stay in the lush green hills with panoramic views from the private balconies of the hotel rooms. A refreshed mind and body can really do wonders for your spirit and that is exactly how you will end up feeling after a break with your loved ones.
The Winter Weekday Getaway (Monday-Thursday) brings to you winter warms with a discounted room rate along with complimentary buffet breakfast for up to 2 adults and 15% off on food and beverage services, complimentary Hi-Tea and access to pool and all the recreational facilities at the hotel. Discover weekday getaways close to home with thoughtfully curated offerings to fulfil the needs of a coveted by modern travellers for an experiential and memory-making trips.
Head now to Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar for a mesmerizing Winters In The Valley.
Rahul Prashar has been appointed as the Director of Rooms at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
/Mumbai, December 2022: City’s leading luxury hotel, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar is pleased to announce the appointment of Rahul Prashar as the Director of Rooms. A seasoned hotelier, Rahul will be responsible for room division operations and will be helming to scale up property’s offerings for guests by creating a superior experience.
Mr. Prashar brings with himself 15 years of extensive experience in the luxury hospitality industry and with the passion of delivering highest standards of services, he is a talented trainer and supervisor who can build a strongly motivated team.
His strong background with luxury, business and leisure brands in cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, Thimphu (Bhutan) and Guwahati along with his remarkable work at Hyatt Regency Chandigarh and Westin Kolkata Rajarhat provides him knowledge in developing and implementing hotel-wide strategies that deliver service to meet and exceed the needs and expectations of the hotel’s discerning guests and associates.
At JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Rahul Prashar will be instrumental in directing and administering all aspects of Room Divisions and will spearhead efficient working systems to scale new heights of luxury guest experiences.
About JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar
JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar offers effortless elegance and sophistication. Just a short drive from Mumbai's international and domestic airports, the luxury hotel makes for an ideal destination for business and stay. Our 5-star hotel accommodation features 588 spacious rooms with pillow top beds, marble bathrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as generous work desks and 24-hour room service. Our Hotel’s dining options reflect the city’s rich culture and culinary tradition. Romano’s, JW Café, JW Lounge and JW Baking Co. showcase the gastronomic prowess of the talent we have at JW Sahar. Our 29,837 sq.ft. of indoor conventional and meeting spaces are a blend of beauty, authentic hospitality and world-class audio visual services. Spa By JW, the first of its kind in Asia Pacific, extends its host of therapies so one can experience holistic wellness. Visit us online on www.jw mumbai.com. For social media updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter on @JWSahar. For more information, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Plus.
LOUIS BURGER Launched in Hyderabad
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Hyderabad, December: - Louis Burger launched in Hyderabad the signature craft burgers created as a tribute to the legend Louis Lassen for introducing the concept of the burger to the world. To make sure it does justice to the great man, the team at Massive Restaurants has conceptualized, researched and worked on these masterpieces for over a year.
Blending together fine ingredients with a side of passion in between freshly-baked, milk washed buns to give you one smashing burger. The bun? cloud-light that it’ll lift you up in the air, the cheese? exclusively sourced mature / aged cheddar. The fries? 11mm thick with their skin-on to give you a fabulous texture and taste! The lettuce? as fresh as can be. The taste? Unforgettable.
The menu boasts of a ‘Smashed Lamb Cheese Burger’ with animal sauce and Swiss Emmental, headlining the mix is the ‘Monster Cheeseburger’ with double buff patty, English cheddar & Chicken Ham. Not leaving out the classic ‘Chicken Burger’ with honey mustard and cheese. The ‘Grilled AF Chicken Burger’ has truffle mayo, grilled chicken and English cheddar. Along with this, LOUIS BURGER offers a variety of plant-based burgers too. The ‘Vegan Gratitude Burger’ is your guilt free, power packed indulgence complete with beets, beans, sweet potato, jalapenos, confit tomato and vegan mayo. LOUIS BURGER takes burgers to a level fit for a KING. The LIMITED EDITION section offers two burgers, the ‘Truffletake Burger’ with shiitake, exotic shimeji mushrooms, truffle mayo, truffle oil, english cheddar and parmesan, to add to that imperial touch Gold varq adorns this Burger, making it totally unique. The ‘Louis Grand Royale’ is a robust double patty buff burger with exotic shimeji mushrooms, truffle, special Louis sauce, english cheddar and gold waraq.
As authentic as Elvis Presley's Music, as classic as Vogue, and as exciting as a Marvel Movie, Louis Burger is the burger of every dream. Massive Restaurants and Zorawar Kalra bring LOUIS BURGER to the virtual restaurant world on the 07th of December offering you yet another unforgettable gourmet experience with every bite.
Indian School of Hospitality partners with Karma Lakelands to run Experiential Farms at the Karma Lakelands Golf Resort
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Ashwani khurana Of Karma Lakeland gurgaon and dilip puri of indian school of hospitality
Gurgaon, India,December 2022: Karma Lakelands and École Ducasse ISH Gurugram announce partnership for an experiential farm at the Karma Lakelands Golf Resort in Gurgaon. The students of Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) will be initiated into organic farming, beekeeping and other eco-friendly initiatives of sustainability and conscious living — a vision shared by the founders of École Ducasse, ISH and Karma Lakelands.
Conscious living / Eco Initiatives have always been at the heart and helm of most endeavours at Karma Lakelands since the resort was developed. From being targeted as a zero-waste property to soil building, planting trees, rewilding, practicing bee farming and bio composting of plant & animal waste, life at Karma is an incredible example for meaningful and sustainable existence. At Karma, nature friendly initiatives and conservation practices that support and promote sustainable living are a way of life. As a resort, it strives to minimize our carbon footprint and execute the initiatives and actions to reduce the use of energy and water, while avoiding the use of plastic.
The idea for the farm came when École Ducasse-ISH sought additional locations to fulfil demands for herbs and organic produce in their kitchens. The farmland shall feature seasonal ingredients and regional plants that account for most of the ingredients used on campus. It will encourage farm-to-table practices, sustainable sourcing, and relying on locally-grown crops. Additionally, students shall participate in practical learning sessions in the open classroom and the rustic kitchen. They will also be guided by an expert on organic and sustainable farming at Karma Lakelands.
Talking about the initiative, Mr Dilip Puri, the Founder and CEO of ISH, says, “Indian School of Hospitality has always adapted its teaching philosophies to meet the needs of the ever-changing culinary and hospitality industry. As interest in learning about the origin of food increases, we have responded by offering students opportunities to harvest agriculture responsibly. It will allow us to incorporate sustainable approaches into the culinary coursework, like the Bachelor’s programme that features classes on food policy, ecology of food and farm-to-table concepts. This way, students will be encouraged to develop mindsets towards sustainability and eco-friendly farming.”
Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Mr Ashwani Khurana, Founder & CEO of Karma Lakelands, says, “We at Karma Lakelands are committed to protecting the sanctity of mother earth through our various Environmental care - Conscious living initiatives. Collaborating with ISH is yet another step to motivate youth, the future of our planet, towards soil building and experiencing growing healthy food. We aim to promote the concept of living mindfully by minimising waste generation & its innovative management.”
Booking.com - Here is where Indians are travelling for the upcoming holiday season
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Nature getaways and coastal areas continue to be the most sought-after holiday for domestic travel
Metropolitan cities emerge as the top preferred destinations for international travel
Mumbai, December 2022 – December officially marks the beginning of the holiday season and
Booking.com, one of the world’s leading online travel companies, has released its latest search data
trends that shed light on Indian travelers’ preferred destinations during this time 1 . With most travel
restrictions lifted and the world opening up again, it marks a promising return of travel for Indian
travellers who are ready to get back out there and make the most of their holidays.
As per the Booking.com APAC Travel Confidence Index released earlier, beach, nature/mountains and
road trips are among the top 5 most preferred trip types by Indian travellers and this is reflective in the
most searched destinations for the upcoming holiday season. Data from Booking.com reveals that Indian
travellers prefer hill stations, beaches and historical destinations when it comes to domestic travel with
Pondicherry topping the list followed by Lonavala and Manali.
● Puducherry and Goa featured as the most preferred beach destinations
● Udaipur and Jaipur featured as the most preferred historical destinations
● Lonavala, Manali, Munnar and Shimla featured as the most preferred hill stations
Top 10 most searched destinations by Indian travellers for domestic travel with check in dates
between December 24, 2022 to January 2, 2023
1. Puducherry
2. Lonavala
3. Manali
4. Udaipur
5. Mumbai
6. Jaipur
7. Goa
8. Bengaluru
9. Munnar
10. Shimla
Exploring the world is back on the list again for Indians. When it comes to international travel, Indians
are searching for metropolitan cities to celebrate the festive season and ring in the new year. Bangkok
and Singapore continue to be South-East Asia’s most popular destinations, while Dubai remains at the
top as the most popular destination for Indian travellers.
Top 10 most searched international destinations by Indians with check in dates between December
24,2022 to January 2, 2023
1. Dubai, UAE
2. Bangkok, Thailand
3. Singapore, Singapore
4. London, UK
5. Paris, France
6. Patong Beach, Thailand
7. North Male, Maldives
8. Colombo, Sri Lanka
9. Phuket, Thailand
10. Ubud, Bali
When it comes to the top 15 searched destinations searched by global travellers overall for the holiday
season, Paris, London and Dubai are the most searched destinations.
Top 15 most searched destinations globally by all travellers with check in dates between December
24, 2022 to January 2, 2023
1. Paris, France
2. London, UK
3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands
5. Roma, Italy
6. Tokyo, Japan
7. Barcelona, Spain
8. Prague, Czech Republic
9. Wien, Austria
10. New York, USA
Mr. Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, “The
last few years have taught us that travel should not be taken for granted. After two years of travel
restrictions, travellers are feeling overwhelmingly more optimistic about travelling. It is encouraging to
see Indian travellers exploring different destinations both within India and abroad with a more positive
outlook towards travel. As people remain enthusiastic and book their holidays, Booking.com will
continue to make it easier for everyone to create their unique travel memories as they experience what
these different destinations have to offer during the year end and beyond”
METHODOLOGY
¹ This report looks at the top searched destinations between 07-11-2022 and 27-11-2022, with check-in dates
between 24-12-2022 and 02-01-2023.
Winter Offers from Luxury Lodge, Aramness Safaris and more at Gir National Park, Gujarat
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ARAMNESS, a beautiful Indian safari lodge with 18 private village-style kothis - each with its own courtyard, private pool, and forest views, re-announced its two special winter offers, which will be active till the end of March 2023. The offers include “Escape to Wilderness” and the “Signature Extended Stay Offer'Given that Gir is home to the only bunch of Asiatic lions around the world, these offers make for a great start to 2023 for the luxury traveler.
The first offer “Aramness Gir - Escape to Wilderness” is a two-night package (details given below), which includes all meals with a capacious kothi, two spectacular wildlife activities, and more. In case you decide to lengthen your opulent stay, you may take advantage of the “Aramness Gir - Signature Extended Stay” offer which is valid for 3, 4, or 5 nights. This includes an optimal package, details of which are given below.
Along with luxury, you may experience a safari tour that exhibits the park's diversity, including Asiatic lions, leopards, and paradise flycatchers in addition to the breathtaking scenery. Of significance is that each tour is accompanied by an Aramness naturalist who leads and engages the visitors in conversation, while educating them about the surrounding environment and its native flora and fauna. The lodge offers a special chance to connect with wildlife while on foot in addition to safari tours. The 18 sq.km space that separates the resort from Sasan Gir National Park is where this wonderful Indian wilderness experience comes to life.
No vacation is complete without exquisite gastronomy treats. From traditional Gujarati food to cuisines from around the world, the property offers a wide variety of dining options, for you to indulge your taste buds. The delectable menu includes the Gujarati Swaminarayan Thali, an all-vegetarian feast, as well as the Aramness Thali which allows you to savor the state's unsung non-vegetarian dishes. The Matla chicken, sheesha, and a spirituous drink make for the ideal evening followed by a jungle barbecue in the wilderness.
Unwind and revitalize yourself with spa treatments at the Aramness Spa while taking in the beauty of the imposing forest and its sweet-smelling fresh air. In conclusion, enjoy unparalleled luxury whilst being surrounded by the magnificent Gir's natural beauty and witness the wilderness unraveling before your eyes
Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management hosted “Bridge The Skill Gap” Event in association with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council
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Pune- December 2022- Built on the foundations of "A Hotel School: By the Hoteliers, For the Hoteliers", Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management is a premier hospitality education institute that offers budding hoteliers the perfect balance of educational and experiential learning experiences. In light of the recent concerns of skilled workforce shortage in the hospitality industry, Lexicon IHM collaborated with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council to host the “Bridge the Skill Gap Event- Strengthening The Hospitality Skills Ecosystem Through Empowerment.”
The speakers at the event included Mr. Jatin Khanna, CEO of Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, Mr. Gladvin Rego, Principal of the Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management, representatives from THSC, Mr. Amol Bajaj, Head - of Apprenticeship Division, Ms. Feba Abraham, Apprenticeship Division, and Mr. Visham Thapa, Assistant Vice President- Client Acquisition Apprenticeship and Traineeship, 2COMS Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Nasir Shaikh, Group Chief Executive Officer, The Lexicon Group of Institutes, MultiFit & EduCrack, says “Recruiting and retaining talent has been a big challenge for the hospitality and tourism industry. A lack of skilled talent directly affects the customer experience. It can have a long-lasting impact on the brand image and eventually, revenues. I believe that the Recruit-Train-Deploy model if implemented appropriately, can serve as an effective solution. It improves the employability scope of aspirants and can attract talent through short-term skilling programs to meet immediate industry requirements. It is a win-win scenario for both employee and employer. This was an important session as it highlighted, the need of the hour, by emphasizing on various tools that can help in developing an ecosystem that will be beneficial for individuals who aspire to establish careers in the hospitality segment. We are thankful to the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council for collaborating with us on this initiative that gave us an insight into effective measures to tackle talent deficit issues in the industry.”
The event focused on various aspects of the Hospitality Skills Ecosystem, starting with the future of hospitality traits that highlighted the trends shaping the hospitality industry and the skills required to adapt to these trends. In his address, Mr. Amol Bajaj, Head - Apprenticeship Division, THSC, also introduced the concept of apprenticeship programs that allows young individuals to Learn, Earn and Qualify for industry-specific jobs, which also helps improve skilling and recruitment in the industry. He illustrated the design of an efficient Recruit-Train-Deploy model that can successfully help bridge the skill gap and become a vital tool for hiring. Mr. Bajaj also emphasized the importance of Quality/Skilled team members' contribution towards generating valuable revenue. “With the “Bridge the Skill Gap” event, we sought to emphasize the need to develop sustainable skill ecosystems using various tools such as Apprenticeship Programs, efficient hiring strategies and building talent pipelines. One way in which hospitality education institutes can contribute to improving employability is by designing short-term foundation courses offering department specific training to help aspiring individuals enhance their skillsets. It was a pleasure to host and collaborate with the THSC and explore creative solutions to assist hotel groups and the industry to tackle talent deficit issues.”Said Mr. Bajaj while speaking about how RTD can be a sustainable solution for the hospitality industry.
To assist hoteliers in implementing apprenticeship programs, Ms. Feba Abraham, Apprenticeship Division, THSC, shed light on the new reforms and legalities of the Apprenticeship program by the Government of India. Towards the end of the event, Mr. Visham Thapa, Assistant Vice President- Client Acquisition Apprenticeship and Traineeship, 2COMS Consulting Pvt. Ltd., spoke about the advantages of expansion of the apprenticeship programs through collaboration with Sector Skill Council and Third Party Aggregators, which will also result in further strengthening the skilling ecosystem and help the hospitality and tourism industry reap maximum benefits from Apprenticeship programs.
By bringing together vital industry stakeholders such as National Skill Development Corporation, Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, Poona Hoteliers Association, along with industry leaders, under one roof, the “Bridge the Skill Gap” event has taken a positive step towards enabling organizations and the industry successfully utilize resources and tools to develop a sustainable ecosystem for the creation of skilled workforces.
Raan Mussalam Recipe by Chef Ashfaque Ali
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Bark of Cinnamomum species. Cinnamon contains antioxidants, which are a healthy component of the diet that help neutralize free radicals, preventing them from damaging cells in the body. Cinnamaldehyde also has some antibacterial properties and might slow down the growth of cancerous cells. A cup of cinnamon tea everyday can reduce stress and body ache.
Black cardamom
Also know as Bengal cardamom. It gives powerful smoky flavor and has a huge health benefits too. It is very uses full for congestion of lungs, and digestive disorder etc to name a few.
Grinding and blending
Mixture of these two spices gives heavenly flavor and aroma to any dish. It can be use to make nice mutton, Biryani and stews.
Take a quantity of 2:3, broil them and let it cool and stone grind to get a better result. Keep it in an air-tight container and use it adequately to flavor the choice of your dishes.
Raan Mussalam
Ingredients
For marination
3kg lamb leg (clean, wash, and prick it with knife)
4onion finely slice
4tomatoes chopped
300g yoghurt
3 black cardamoms
2 cinnamon sticks
3 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
100g mint leaves
100g Fresh coriander stems
1 tablespoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
1 tablespoon coriander powder
Salt to taste
For dishing out
Ghee
Ginger
Green chilly
Ran gravy
Fried onion
Red chilly powder
Cinnamon and black cardamom powder
100ml cream
10-15 leaves of mint finely chopped
50g fresh coriander
Kewra
Saffron water
Method
Marinade the mutton leg with marination ingredients and rub the mixture nicely to the mutton leg. Allow the mixture to be in the marination for 4-6 hrs.
Arrange the legs in the roasting try by covering it with its own marination then seal the tray with aluminum foil nicely & then Place it into the pre heated oven for 3 hours at 180c.
Remove the tray from the oven and check the tenderness if require then put it back again for another 20 minute.
Remove the legs from the mixture and separate the meat from the bone discard the unwanted tissues and keep it aside.
Blend the mixture in mixer grinder and strain through conical strainer and keep it aside use it as Raan gravy
Heat the ghee in a pan and add chopped ginger green chilly and sauté it gently add the strained gravy and cook it nicely so that the extra moisture goes out.
Add powdered spices and cook it for another 2-3 minutes add the separated meat to the gravy toss it gently add cream, check seasoning adjust accordingly.
Add chopped green, kewra water and dissolved saffron and serve hot on serving pan.
Chef Ashfaque Ali
A skilled professional, recognized for a comprehensive knowledge of national and international cuisine and an innovative approach to setting the stage for a customized culinary experience. Over 17 years of progressive Indian cuisine experience in managing the provision of fine dining for renowned luxury hotel and Michelin starred restaurants, refining the art of Indian cooking, developing Progressive menus, and preparing Indian dishes influenced by culturally diverse regions around India.
He worked with high end luxurious Indian and international brands like, The Oberoi, Shangri-la, Four seasons, Jumeirah and Meydan. He has also done preopening of very high end fine dining restaurant with Michelin starred chef Vineet Bhatia at two different location, one in Riyadh (Maharaja East) and another one in Doha (Indigo 360) . From his deep cuisine knowledge of different cultures across India, he will be sharing his secret trick of paring of spices to get maximum flavor and make aromatic dishes.Two spices which Chef Ali’s feels are the soul of Indian cuisine and are precious to him. Black cardamom and cinnamon, He feels that only these two spices are the soul of making flavorful Indian dishes, Rather than having hundreds of spices at home only these two spices can do wonders to home cooked meals. Plus these spices not only give good flavor to the dish but also have great medicinal benefits.
Food lovers rejoice: Veg Surprise Burger makes a comeback to McDonald’s India- North and East menu
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December 2022, New Delhi: McDonald’s India - North & East has listened to its customers and relaunched an old customer favourite. The Veg Surprise Burger is back on popular demand, as part of the menu at McDonald’s India- North and East.
A complete value for money, the Veg Surprise Burger is priced at INR 65*, available à-la-carte or with Value Meals and Double Patty variant at McDonald’s restaurants** in North and East India or through McDelivery (including Swiggy, Zomato and Magic Pin), takeaway, or drive-thru.
“At McDonald’s, we’re always listening to meet the evolving needs of our customers. On popular demand, we are excited to bring back the Veg Surprise Burger to our menu. With a unique taste, crunchiness and distinctive flavour, added by an optimal quantity and combination of select Italian herbs, the Veg Surprise Burger is set to be yet another exciting option for McDonald’s fans, said, Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East.
Veg Surprise is a delectable treat for McDonald’s fans, who prefer Vegetarian options. It comes with a crunchy patty made with chunky potato bites, perfectly seasoned with the finest Italian herbs including parsley and chilli flakes for a mildly spicy flavour. This mélange is topped with a delicious Italian Herb Sauce made with the choicest of herbs and then shredded onions to add to the crunch, and then sandwiched between freshly toasted McDonald’s signature bun.
As part of its commitment to the Indian culture and sensitivities, McDonald’s has separate kitchen sections to ensure Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian menu items are cooked and prepared separately. All mayonnaise used in Vegetarian burgers at McDonald’s are eggless preparations.
McDonald’s India - North and East has been continuously evolving its menu items, adding new and exciting options, as per the tastes and preference of its customers. Most recently, McDonald’s introduced Cheesy Fries with Smoky Chipotle Sauce. Among one of the most notable launches this year is the Butter Chicken Grilled Burger & Butter Paneer Grilled Burger. The brand has also recently re-launched its Breakfast menu in select restaurants across North and East India.
*Price may vary in-store & through delivery and across certain regions
**Not available at Delhi Domestic & International terminals
THE OZEN COLLECTION Unveils Expansion Plans With Two Distinct New Properties
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A lavish stately city experience in India at OZEN MANSION KOLKATA and tranquil, intimate stays on the scenic Maldivian isle of OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI will enrich THE OZEN COLLECTION’s portfolio of resorts
THE OZEN COLLECTION extends its portfolio with two new properties, OZEN MANSION KOLKATA and OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI. The new additions will bring distinctive, unique concepts to the portfolio – be it an elegantly lavish interlude amidst the old-world charms of Kolkata or a sustainable, secluded sojourn in the Maldives.
Infusing THE OZEN COLLECTION experience into the City of Joy
In Q4 2023, the brand will make its first foray into India with OZEN MANSION KOLKATA. Enviably located in Kolkata’s New Town area, just a couple of minutes away from Eco Park and 10 minutes from International Airport, the grand hotel will be reminiscent of an impressive, stately residence with event venues that reflect a timeless elegance.
Boasting 235 units with minimum of 70-square-meter club rooms and two presidential suites with a maximum of 400 square meter of space and a private pool, this spectacular city-focused property also serves up a unique ‘club lounge’ concept. The exclusive lounges will highlight and be named after iconic cultural elements of Kolkata, such as Victoria, Chowringhee, Eden Garden, Howrah, and Kalighat.
The hotel is set to be the city’s event venue of choice with approximately 6500 square meters worth of impressive indoor and outdoor venues. This will include a sprawling, pillarless, state-of-the-art banquet hall with pre-function space, an open-air courtyard and lawn, board rooms, three expansive conference rooms, and a pool party hall with open-air space. Plans include three signature eateries, an international all-day dining restaurant, private dining areas, two bars, and a bakery cum café. Epicureans will be dighted with a glorious mix of favourite THE OZEN COLLECTION outlets and progressive new culinary concepts.
The lively city life experience will be punctuated with delightful leisure amenities such as a 1000 square meter swimming pool with a sprawling deck area, a children’s playroom, and a venue for wedding rituals and ceremonies by the gorgeous poolside area. An expansive ELE | NA ELEMENTS OF NATURE spa and wellness centre will round off the indulgent facilities.
A Soulful, Sustainable Sanctuary in the Maldives
OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI, set for a Q4 2024 launch in South Malé Atoll, brings to the fore an inspiring getaway with sustainability and seclusion at the heart of every experience. The tranquil resort will have 38 enchanting pool villas and private dining havens scattered throughout the scenic island, offering a selection of multi-cultural dining experiences.
An exceptional fully encompassing holiday plan will offer guests the ultimate carefree escape, with the freedom to dine anytime, anywhere – at one of the pre-booked dining havens or in the comfort of their villas. Quintessentially Maldives, a Spa Village by
ELE | NA ELEMENTS OF NATURE will beckon those who want an extremely exclusive and private wellness experience.
At OZEN PRIVÉ ATHIRI GILI there will be a genuine focus on innovative eco practices to protect the delicate tropical ecosystem. Sustainable initiatives will include rainwater harvesting, renewable energy, a biogas plant, a bio pond swimming pool, the use of geothermal, recyclable materials, zero food waste, organic farming, a drip irrigation system, and the ‘3R’ concept for waste management.
Mr Salil Panigrahi, the Managing Director of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, says,“We are continuously evolving ourselves into a more resonating brand every day, in true Joy of Giving spirit. With the two upcoming THE OZEN COLLECTION resorts, we are pushing the boundaries on the guest experience. Expanding into India is a homecoming for me, with OZEN MANSION KOLKATA giving us a chance to enrich lives in India.”
In addition to these two properties, THE OZEN COLLECTION also has a resort in the pipeline in Sri Lanka. OZEN SECLUDED TANGALLE will take the brand to the Emerald Isle of the Indian Ocean.
CHEF WARIS QURESHI TAKES ON THE MANTLE OF INDIAN CUISINE AT JYRAN, SOFITEL MUMBAI BKC
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Sofitel Mumbai BKC, the elegant, luxury hotel in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, introduces Waris Hasan Qureshi as the new Indian Master Chef at Jyran. The award-winning signature restaurant, serving authentic cuisine inspired by the Northwest Indian Frontier Province, will now be helmed by Chef Qureshi, who specializes in Awadhi, Hyderabadi, and Kashmiri cuisines.
A curious learner, Waris spent his early years in a quaint village in Lucknow listening to the tales of innovative Indian cuisine from his great grandfather Mohammed Yusuf Qureshi, who was the head Chef to the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, in 18th century Lucknow. At the age of 12, he was intrigued by the stories about the feasts his grandfather cooked for the Nawabs and his guests, and that developed his interest in food and cuisine. His great-grandfather’s legacy is being carried forward by his father, who now runs a catering business in Lucknow. He was a helping hand to his father until he decided to come to Mumbai.
He first began his culinary journey in 2013 at Tote on the Turf. He then moved on to Blue Waters restaurant, followed by an appointment at Oakwood, now Z-Luxury Residences. Armed with his recently honed skills, he transitioned into the world of hotels over the years and soon joined Marriott International with the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, where Chef Qureshi began focusing on specialty menus and cuisines. After this, he joined two hotel chains in succession – the Bengaluru Marriott Whitefield, followed by the Conrad Pune, where Chef Qureshi progressed from Senior Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef (Indian Master Chef) within a year.
Across his roles, Chef Qureshi remained focused on developing new and unique menus, featuring traditional, authentic flavors and celebrating specialty cuisines via food festivals and previously unknown recipes. His Signature dishes include Awadhi Ghosh Dum Biryani, Shahi Ghosh ki Gilawat, Kakori Kebabs, and Nalli Nihari.
His deep knowledge of cooking techniques, coupled with access to secret recipes passed down through generations, make him a formidable force in the kitchen.
Outside of the kitchen, Chef Qureshi enjoys socializing with friends and family, playing cricket, traveling, swimming, and experimenting with recipes.
About Sofitel Mumbai BKC
A perfect mélange of the French way of life and warm Indian hospitality, the grandeur of Sofitel Mumbai BKC is reflected in its unrivaled facilities and personalized service from the heart. Strategically located in the city’s central business district – the Bandra Kurla Complex, Sofitel Mumbai BKC is designed specifically for the global traveler, offering multifaceted experiences in cuisine, entertainment and relaxation. 302 rooms and suites, cutting-edge meeting spaces, the Club Millésime Executive Lounge, a wealth of dining options, Sofitel SPA, Sofitel FITNESS, a Hair & Beauty Salon, and a serene open-air pool, make this luxury hotel a haven for both business and leisure travelers.
Four Season Hotel Bengaluru - An evening of Christmas Cheer Of Ballet, Jazz, Giving And Celebrating
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AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CHEER Of Ballet, Jazz, Giving, And Celebrating
Bengaluru, December 2022: As the year winds down to a close it’s time to slow down, pause and revel in the bounty of the season. Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has curated a special evening of Jazz, Ballet, and the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, 8th of December 2022 with the spirit of giving as its cornerstone.
The evening opens with the traditional tree lighting ceremony at CUR8, a ceremonial usherer of the festive season. The Grand Ballroom then becomes the venue for a scintillating evening of ballet by Love Kotiya, an exceptional 17-year-old talent from Faridabad, India, who has trained in classical ballet at the Imperial Fernando Ballet Company (IFBC) in New Delhi under the Argentine Maestro, Fernando Aguilera and Penelope Scarian, an Italian dancer and graduate of ENBS, from Imperial Fernando Ballet Company.
Interspersed with the ballet performances, there will be soulful music by MoonArra Jazz Trio followed by a celebration of food and beverage curated by by the chefs and mixologists of Four Seasons.
‘Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is delighted to be showcasing an evening of culture and art for a noble cause. Our traditional tree lighting ceremony will open an elegant evening of festive celebrations with a befitting signing off on the culinary side, by our team of talented chefs. It is our constant endeavour to create memorable experiences for our guests and this evening will be the perfect way to draw a curtain on this year.’ summed up Reuben Kataria, General Manager.
About Love Kotiya
Love Kotiya is a 17-year-old ballet dancer from the Imperial Fernando Ballet Company (IFBC) in New Delhi, India. A few months ago he auditioned for and was accepted to the English National Ballet School. This may sound unremarkable but, nothing short of a leap to a different universe for this young lad from Faridabad, in the outskirts of New Delhi. Until two years ago he had never been in a ballet studio or a theatre, let alone on a plane or in a foreign country. His mother is a widow who makes a modest living as domestic worker, and a ballet training would have been completely out of his league. Yet, he was spotted by a generous teacher, Maestro Fernando Aguilera who saw passion and potential in this young boy. He trained with diligence every day, from morning to evening, through lockdowns and uncertainty, to reach the level he’s arrived at. His talent shone during a visit to London and he was accepted at the prestigious English National Ballet School. However, the yearly fees of 20,000 pounds still seems unattainable, except for the generosity of donors who are inspired by his talent.
Watch Love Kotiya’s dance here https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckhy4fnvo4N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Flow of Events
6.30 pm- Tree Lighting in CUR8
7.15 pm - Proceed to Grand Ballroom
7.30 pm - Ballet – First Act
7.45 pm - First set of Jazz
8.00 pm - Ballet – Second Act
8.15 pm - Second set of Jazz
8.45 pm - Ballet – Third Act
9.00 pm to 10.00 pm – Dinner & Jazz Music
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru
When: 8th December 2022
Time: 6.30 pm onwards
Prices: INR 4800 per person
To know more, guests can call +91 81235 90160
Pride Hotel Chennai hosts 'Punjabi Food Festival' at 'PURAN DA DHABA',
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